Seasonal styling with Emma from Nest Designs: Winter Wonderland

It appears that despite how hard we’ve tried with the weather the last few weeks, we can’t ignore that Winter is finally here in Sydney. There’s no going back now! So I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my tips and tricks for winter seasonal styling.

Winter is my favourite season and I often choose to travel to the Northern Hemisphere in winter on purpose as Australian winters aren’t really a proper winter! Snow falling outside a cabin window, a log fire crackling and a cup of hot chocolate are a recipe for the perfect holiday for me.

So, how do we recreate this in our homes? Here are the elements I tend to rely on to create that cozy Winter feel.

{1. Texture}
Think knitted throw rugs, velvet feather stuffed scatter cushions, a deep sofa wide enough for you and a loved one to snuggle on, don’t forget wood is mother natures best texture so adding some textured timber statements to the room will do wonders for the winter theme you’re going for.
{2. Layering}
It’s important when using different textures in a space to layer them through out the room, so a woollen loop pile rug layered with a linen slipcover sofa covered in rich jewel coloured cushions in soft textured fabrics topped off with a floor lamp with a textured timber base and round linen drum shade throwing beautiful warm white light across the room.
{3. Greenery}
One of my golden rules of decorating is always add greenery, it doesn’t matter the season, there’s always a plant or flower in bloom in winter time that adds a beautiful and life filled element to the space.
{4. Lighting}
Often overlooked when planning a room but one of the most important elements is the light in the space, in winter to create the comfy cozy feel floor lamps, wall scones and candle light ooze cosiness where as harsh bright white down lights feel stark and lifeless. Always go for a warm white light globe rather than a cool white light globe, warm white light is much more flattering.

Now, what should you swap out for winter vs summer styling?
Start with the soft furnishings, this doesn’t need to be an expensive exercise, you can update these elements for less than $1,000. Switch out your sisal summery rug for a longer pile woollen rug in a similar colour tone, swap your hessian and linen cushions for velvets or knitted wool, pop some heavier weight curtains over the windows (this also keeps the warmth in - bonus!), add some pinecones collected in the streets to your fireplace mantel, a beautiful floral display of red berry flowers and a tray on your coffee table for 3-4 candles to burn subtly at night.